An application to move the trial of a man accused of arson, which caused €13 million worth of damage and forced over a dozen businesses to close, is due to be made in May.
Guo Zhong Chen, aged 55, of Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, is currently before the courts charged with the arson, which took place on 28 July 2024, and a separate incident of criminal damage to a black Landrover at Townparks, Longford, on 7 July 2024.
He appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court this afternoon, where it was heard the book of evidence is slowly being translated into mandarin and an audio format.
Of approximately 60 hours of CCTV, a montage of one hour and 30 minutes has been played for Mr Chen, with a necessity to play the remainder of the footage.
Mr Chen has said that he wishes to view the footage in its entirety and is requesting a jury trial, but does not wish to have that jury trial in Longford due to "adverse media attention".
"We can't do that until he’s seen all the footage and the book of evidence," Judge Connolly said, noting that it could take up to four weeks for that to be done.
He granted an application to extend legal aid to a documentary junior counsel in an effort to expedite matters, "because otherwise he could be facing a lengthy time on remand".
The legal aid was also extended for all translation purposes.
Judge Connolly remanded Mr Chen to 8 May 2025, stressing that any application to move the location of the trial should be brought on that day, with the State to be on three weeks' notice.
"After that, I won’t entertain it," he added.
